Tour de France tech hunting continued in Barcelona before the race opens with a team time trial on July 4.
Across two days at the Grand Départ, the source visited nine team bases around suburban Barcelona. The search covered hotel parking lots, busy team compounds and changing schedules.
The latest findings centered on three major bike stories. Tadej Pogačar’s Colnago TT2 was ready for full Tour use. Specialized had fresh race machinery, including a Tarmac SL9 and an unreleased Shiv TT bike. Cofidis also displayed a striking new Look 796 Blade.
The Barcelona setting made a complete sweep impossible. Teams were spread across a large, hectic city. Each squad also ran its own programme before the race began.
Even so, many key equipment updates appeared before the Tour reached the road. Earlier sightings had already included Pogačar’s Y1Rs and Paul Seixas’ prototype Van Rysel.
Tour de France tech focus turns to Colnago TT2
The Colnago TT2 will make its full debut in the opening team time trial. Colnago first teased the bike in April this year.
The TT2 keeps the aerodynamic level of the previous Colnago time trial bike. Its central gain comes from a lower complete system weight.
According to the source, Colnago has removed half a kilogram from the full system. That matters on a Tour route where time trial equipment must balance speed and efficiency.
Until now, the TT2 had remained in prototype use. Only selected riders had access to it during that phase.
For the Tour opener, the bike becomes available to the full UAE Team Emirates-XRG lineup. The squad will aim to strike early against Jonas Vingegaard in Barcelona.
Pogačar’s presence also shaped the scene around the bike. A large group of fans gathered nearby, seeking a look at him or a signature.
New Enve wheels support the TT2 package
The Colnago TT2 launch also includes two new Enve wheel options. Enve has added the SES 100 PRO and SES PRO Disc.
Both wheels build on the SES PRO specification introduced last year before the Tour. The additions aim to improve the bike’s aerodynamic package from the ground up.
Wheel choice carries extra importance in a team time trial. Squads need matched equipment, stable handling and low drag across the full train.
The source did not report ride impressions from the TT2. The story centered on its race arrival and visible equipment details.
Specialized brings more than the Tarmac SL9
Specialized has already drawn attention with the Tarmac SL9. In Barcelona, another part of the brand’s Tour setup appeared.
At the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe area, two secret bikes were briefly visible. They were pulled away soon after the viewing began.
The source still identified a wider Specialized presence at the race. That included Remco Evenepoel’s decorated Tarmac SL9 and an unreleased new Shiv TT bike.
Evenepoel then arrived in person, adding to the busy scene around the equipment. The source did not list further technical details for the new Shiv.
The appearance suggests Specialized has brought more than one significant update to the Tour. However, the supplied information stops short of confirming specifications.
Look 796 Blade stands out at Cofidis
Cofidis provided another notable equipment highlight with the new Look 796 Blade. The bike stood out for its visual impact at the team compound.
The source described it as perhaps the most beautiful bike among the latest sightings. No ride impressions were available from the 796 Blade.
Cofidis also remains distinctive in the WorldTour equipment landscape. It is the only Tour team using Campagnolo, according to the source.
A Campagnolo Super Record groupset supplies the shifting and drivetrain components on the Cofidis bikes. That separates the team from rivals using other groupset brands.
The Barcelona tech roundup highlighted how teams use the Tour launch to reveal or confirm equipment. Time trial bikes, aero road bikes and component choices all came into focus.
For Pogačar and UAE, the headline development is the lighter Colnago TT2. For Specialized, the intrigue centers on fresh race bikes and the unreleased Shiv. For Cofidis, the new Look 796 Blade brings a vivid visual statement.
The Tour’s opening team time trial will now give these machines their first major platform. The clock in Barcelona will show how the equipment fits into the race’s first tactical battle.
For additional reporting, see velo.outsideonline.com.